Ask the Roaster - Marcus from Sanctuary Coffee

How was the Roastery founded, what was the inspiration?

Our inspiration was adopting our rescue greyhound and learning more about how expensive running a rescue centre is. I already worked as a coffee roaster at the time and knew that even a fraction of profits from coffee sales could make a massive difference for sanctuaries up and down the country.

What's your favourite part about working at the Roastery?

There are so many enjoyable aspects to working in a roastery - it’s hard to narrow down to just one! I would say one of my favourite moments is reflecting on a producer’s latest samples to ones you’ve tried from them before. If you keep a track of your coffees (especially your samples) you can see just how coffee can vary season to season, or in some cases, not vary at all!

What's your proudest accomplishment?

Starting Sanctuary Coffee. We first coined the idea in March 2019 but knew raising money for charity is sensitive and needs to be well thought out to have maximum impact. We love what we do and feel so proud to have a model that works and can really help rescue animals.

What three words best describe your Roastery?

We actually share a space with Old Spike Roastery in Peckham. Collaboration in coffee is often rare between roasters - so to see two social enterprises collaborating is special. I would say our roastery is Progressive, Collective and Exceptional.

What’s your favourite place to enjoy a coffee, and what coffee would that be?

We love trying new coffee shops wherever we are lucky enough go! And the coffee would be whatever the barista recommends! Always trust the barista - it’s their job. 

What’s is your favourite snack or treat to have to accompany your coffee?

Since lockdown 1.0 I’ve been trying various vegan croissant recipes. I recently tried a new marmalade croissant - super tasty!

What would you drink if there was no coffee?

Tea (with a couple of chocolate digestives).

What is your favourite tasting notes to find in coffee?

If you asked me before last week I would have said Strawberry. But I recently sourced a gesha from El Vergel for this year’s UKBC finals which gave the most clear chamomile note it could have passed for chamomile tea, It was truly exceptional!

Where would you recommend for food and drink in your local area?

Waterlane is a new cafe that has opened in Twickenham which has a huge array of really special coffees and natural wines - such a cool spot!

Finally, what Dog & Hat combination would you choose?

We’re a little bias… but our Greyhound, Dionne, has an array of hats because she looks so funny in them. Her best look? Birthday cake hat. So Dionne in a Birthday cake hat!